Colorado Rapids Acquire Israeli Forward Abu Fani After Visa Approval

Israeli forward Shai Abu Fani is set to make his debut for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS) after resolving visa issues. The transfer, completed ten days prior, was delayed as Abu Fani traveled to Canada for his work permit process. He has since returned to the United States and rejoined team training. Abu Fani could be included in the squad for the upcoming match against CF Montréal and may see his first minutes on the field.

The Rapids are eager to have Abu Fani available for a significant match on Thursday against St. Louis in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. His acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the club, which also recently signed wingers Morgan Whittaker from Middlesbrough for a club-record $10.7 million (potentially rising to $12 million with bonuses) and Ibrahim Sadiq from Al-Alkmaar for $1 million.

These signings follow substantial player sales by the Colorado Rapids. The club previously sold a defender to Hull City for $23 million, a club record for a sale, and their leading striker to St. Louis for $12 million. Abu Fani, who can play multiple positions and has been deployed as a wing-back for the Israeli national team, is expected to play as a target forward for the Rapids.

Additionally, Abu Fani's availability will allow him to join the Israeli national team earlier than other MLS-based players. While Israeli players in MLS must wait until after Yom Kippur to travel to Austria for national team duty, Abu Fani can depart mid-week to prepare for the team's first match against Austria on the 24th.